Atletico cleans up at 2015-16 La Liga awards

Atletico Madrid took home four of the six major honours at Monday's La Liga award ceremony - a small consolation after finishing the 2015-16 season without a major trophy.

Spanish football's governing body (LFP) recognised the best manager, goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, striker, and player from the 2015-16 campaign - and Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't among those celebrated.

Manager of the Year

Diego Simeone proved once again that he's one of the game's best motivators. In February, his Atletico side became the first team to beat Madrid at the Bernabeu three consecutive times, and he almost pushed his players to a late and unexpected La Liga title.

But at the end of the season, Simeone didn't have a trophy to show for his team's effort. Barcelona's Luis Enrique, on the other hand, helped turn a midseason crisis into a domestic double.

Goalkeeper of the Year

Finally some props for Europe's most underrated shotstopper.

With Jan Oblak in goal, Atletico conceded the fewest goals (18) in the championship. He started all 38 league matches, and also contended with European duty.

No one even came close to his 24 clean sheets - the next highest number was Claudio Bravo's 15.

Defender of the Year

Diego Godin has developed a reputation as one of the fiercest defenders in Europe, and on this night, he emerged from the shadows of Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique to pick up the award.

Godin's aerial ability is unmatched, and his commitment to winning possession is relentless. He recovered 125 balls last term as he continued to make life tough for La Liga's premier strikers.

Midfielder of the Year

Madrid's engine and distribution factory is Luka Modric, and without him, Zinedine Zidane's side loses a lot of balance.

The Croatia international made 61 key passes as he operated Madrid's attack from a deep-lying position. He has an eye for a perfect throughball and his passing percentage stayed above 90 percent.

Striker of the Year

Lionel Messi wins again.

Though he came third in La Liga scoring with 26 goals, Messi is the most dangerous player on the planet with his ball at his feet. Making up a frightening attacking trio with Luis Suarez and Neymar, the Argentine has more time to play from a deeper position and take part in build-up play.

Player of the Year

Antoine Griezmann executed Simeone's game plan to perfection.

A classic two-way player with the natural instinct to strike on the counterattack, Griezmann enjoyed the best season of his career with 22 goals and five assists.